OUR Board

Ashley Stone earned a BA from Emory University and an MSW from San Diego State University. She went on to earn an LCSW and worked with foster youth and in international adoption before dedicating herself to raising her three children and volunteer work. Ashley first studied bonobos in her undergraduate anthropology courses in the early 90’s under Dr. Frans de Waal. Ashley finally realized a dream when she traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo in January 2014, where she visited Lola ya Bonobo, the only sanctuary in the world for bonobos. This experience convinced her that in order to protect wild bonobos, more must be done to raise awareness here in US and abroad and to aid in the coordination of those already putting forth tremendous efforts to conserve the species. The Bonobo Project was born out of these ideals.Ashley also serves on the board of the Foundation and Friends of Bonobos. She enjoys beach volleyball, word games and playing piano.

Dr. Jingzhi Tan is a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology and the Center for Advanced Hindsight at Duke University. He obtained his B.S. in life science from Peking University in 2008 and his Ph.D. in evolutionary anthropology from Duke University in 2013. His research focuses on human cognitive evolution, and specifically, the evolution of cooperation and warfare. He takes a comparative approach by studying humans, bonobos, chimpanzees, monkeys, lemurs and dogs. In the past six years, he has been conducting non-invasive research in Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary.

Karl MorrisonCo-founder and Chief Program Officer
New Course

Karl has been working in Africa for over 20 years developing ways to provide rural people with opportunities to improve their lives, the lives of their families and of future generations. Karl began his career in southern Africa where, living in a small village, he helped local women build a successful basketry business thereby providing sustainable income to over a hundred families. Since then Karl has lived in and traveled to over 15 countries in Africa including Madagascar. His experience from across the continent, particularly in post-conflict areas, provides Karl with a unique set of expertise and insights to conservation, sustainable development and gender issues.Before joining New Course, Karl worked at Conservation International in a variety of roles including the Director of Africa Regional Planning and Corridor Strategies, providing technical support to emerging CI programs across the continent. After several years engaged in Headquarter operations, Karl was anxious to return to the field. He moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo where he lived for two years while he initiated Conservation International’s on the ground operations in the Congo. Karl’s leadership skills and on the ground experience were instrumental in ensuring the successful start up of operations in such a difficult place to work.Building on his vast field and leadership experiences, as well as his work with groups such as World Resources Institute, where he worked on complex issues including sustainable forestry and poverty alleviation, Karl founded a consulting company called Econserve. This company worked across West, Central and East Africa on projects that integrate economics, conservation and poverty reduction.Karl has a Master’s Degree in Development Economics from Dalhousie University and an undergraduate degree in Economics from Queen’s University. However, most of his education has come from working and living in the field, exploring ways to help families and communities meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations for their families.

Kim LivingstoneTreasurer
San Diego Zoo Global

Kim Livingstone is the lead keeper for the Primate Division at the San Diego Zoo Global. She is a native Of Southern California and has been working in Zoological Institutions for25 years. She met her future San Diego Zoo colleagues while on a joint expedition to Papua New Guinea. Kim has always been a free spirited adventurer. She started bird watching at age three and hasn’t stopped. Kim has traveled extensively throughout the world and has led several bird watching tours. She spent four weeks in the jungles of Ecuador identifying and cataloging the native birds to assist in the establishment of a national park. In Africa, Kim taught ornithology classes to college students to broaden their knowledge of the native avifauna.Kim is dedicated and very passionate about conservation education and global awareness of saving the earth’s endangered species.She has studied and holds degrees in Animals training and management and business management.

Senator Isadore Hall, III
Former California State Senator

Isadore Hall, III, first elected to the California State Senate in December 2014, represented the 35th State Senate District that includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, South Los Angeles, Torrance, Watts/Willowbrook and Wilmington. During his tenure in the Assembly, Hall authored notable legislation and has been an influential and decisive voice on various public policy issues including: addressing the state’s fiscal crisis, job creation, reducing childhood obesity and diabetes, improving public safety, expanding access to education technology and the creation of a sustainable statewide water policy.In 2009, Hall successfully authored legislation to help build the world’s first ‘green’ professional football stadium. Located in Los Angeles County, the proposed 75,000 seat LEED certified NFL stadium and entertainment complex will create over 18,000 jobs and utilize the latest in technology, planning and design to create the most environmentally sustainable athletic stadium complex ever created.Hall began his career of public service in 2001 when he was elected to the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees. Hall served two terms as President of the Board and oversaw important reforms to attract highly qualified teachers and increase funding to classrooms throughout the district.In 2003, Hall was elected to the Compton City Council where he served in various leadership positions including Mayor Pro Tem. While on the City Council, Hall oversaw efforts to increase youth access to parks and recreational activities, reduce crime and promote business growth throughout the city. During this time Hall also served on the Metropolitan Water District Board, the Gateway Cities Council of Governments and the Southern California Association of Governments becoming a prominent regional voice for communities throughout southern California.Hall received a Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Arts Degree in Public Administration from National University. In 2011, Hall was awarded a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from the University of Southern California, and dual Doctorates in Theology and Religious Studies from Next Dimension Bible College. Hall is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.Born and raised in Compton, California, Hall is the youngest of six children.